After graduating from The Basic School, Trautman entered flight training and was subsequently designated a naval aviator in April 1976.

While with the Brigade he completed two Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) deployments to the Western Pacific and Southwest Asia.

He then attended the College of Naval Command and Staff followed by assignment as the Assistant Operations Officer aboard USS Okinawa.

His squadron deployed with 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Storm.

After spending the next year at the Brookings Institution, he was assigned to the Joint Staff, Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment Directorate (J-8).

On June 8, 2007, Trautman was promoted to Lieutenant General and ordered to Headquarters Marine Corps to serve as Deputy Commandant for Aviation.